Introduction

The incidence of substance use among young people, especially, is becoming of immense concern every day, more importantly for parents. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), “drug use, especially cannabis use, continues to increase globally and is high among adolescents, for whom its consequences can be especially negative” (UNODC, 2025).

Drug use prevention is an endeavour that will take a collaborative effort from multiple stakeholders. Parents, however, can take the lead by taking it upon themselves to ensure that, as part of their parenting, they actively protect their children from the risk of vulnerability to substance use.

Here are some ways in which families can help children develop resilience against the risk factors (genetics and environment), thereby actively participating in drug use prevention.

Parental Involvement and Monitoring

Research shows that families who monitor their children and are aware of their activities most of the time can prevent them from getting into trouble (CDC, 2025). Parents must get to know their child’s friends, what they do online, and other habits they engage in. Establishing consistent rules and expectations and following through with agreed-upon consequences can help children develop a sense of responsibility and security. Daily routines also create a sense of structure that keeps them focused and engaged.

This should be planned and executed properly with other strategies to avoid making children feel overwhelmed and distrusted.

Open and Honest Communication

Families must create an atmosphere at home where children feel free to talk about their fears and anxieties without fear of judgment. Talking to children often about drugs and the consequences of their use is also another way to keep communication open and honest. Teaching them about the values and the power of personal choice informs them to make informed decisions instead of just following trends (LeadFactor, 2025).

Using real-life examples and identifying teachable moments are powerful ways of making this strategy effective.

Emotional Bonding and Support

When children lack parental love, support and guidance, they are more vulnerable to falling into bad company or self-medicating their problems (Khaleque, 2017). Families must be emotionally and physically available to help children process their emotions and work through difficult situations. Being physically available to help with schoolwork and play creates trust and strengthens familial bonds. Teaching coping skills to help deal with stressful emotions and situations also helps build self-esteem and increases the likelihood of building resilience against substance use.

Modelling Healthy Behaviours

Young people are more likely to imitate what they see than what they are told (Doll, 2023). Older people must live a drug-free life to serve as a good example for the younger ones. Modelling healthy coping strategies and speaking honestly to them about problems is also helpful. Caregivers must show that it is healthy to ask for help in times of need, by doing so themselves when in crisis.

This serves as an opportunity for children to learn the values of receiving and giving help in difficult times, instead of resorting to bad coping habits like substance use.

Leverage Extended Family and Community Support

The old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”, was very helpful in raising and nurturing children in the past. That saying is relevant even today, especially in single-parent families where caring for children becomes a challenge during emergencies. There is also a saying that “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” If extended family and community support systems were and are still an option for creating safe and loving environments where good manners and discipline are taught, with multiple eyes watching to correct children when they start going astray, why not strengthen and make maximum use of them?

It is worth noting, however, that not all family and community members are good examples for young people; families must be selective about who they entrust their children to.

Conclusion

Substance use prevention is a lifelong effort that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, but it begins at home. Families are the first line of defence. Through active involvement, open communication, emotional support, and connection with extended family and community networks, families and guardians can nurture and shape confident and resilient young people who are empowered to make informed choices.

 

References

CDC. (2025, March 17). Parental Monitoring. Healthy Youth Parent Resources. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth-parent-resources/positive-parental-practices/parental-monitoring.html

Doll, K. (2023, June 18). Observational Learning Theory: What It Means for Kids & Parents. Shortform Books. https://www.shortform.com/blog/observational-learning-theory/

Khaleque, A. (2017). Implications of Parental Love and Lack of Love on Children’s and Adults’ Psychological Adjustment and Maladjustment: Meta-analytic Evidence. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322661691_Worldwide_Implications_of_Parental_Love_and_Lack_of_Love_on_Children’s_and_Adults’_Psychological_Adjustment_and_Maladjustment_Meta-analytic_Evidence

LeadFactor. (2025). Psychological Safety at Home. https://www.leaderfactor.com/learn/psychological-safety-at-home

UNODC. (2025). World Drug Report 2025—Key findings. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/world-drug-report-2025-key-findings.html